In fond memory of: Khalid Soomro remembered

Nationalists praise JUI-F leader at condolence reference.

HYDERABAD: Dr Khalid Mehmood Soomro, the assassinated leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam - Fazl (JUI-F), was remembered as a religious leader who won recognition from both the religious and secular segments of society.

At a condolence reference organised in the Matiari district on Sunday, even nationalist and other political figures showered praises at his contributions.



“He worked for religious harmony, strived for the rights of Sindh and we supported him in several movements,” said Jalal Mehmood Shah, the president of Sindh United Party (SUP). He also acknowledged Soomro’s endeavours for broadening the JUI-F’s support in Sindh. “He was killed for his religio-political services.”

Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party (STPP) chairperson Dr Qadir Magsi eulogised the late JUI-F leader, saying that despite being a religious leader he struggled like a nationalist for his province. “He was a true son of the soil.” Magsi also recalled instances when Soomro played a pivotal role in defusing sectarian rifts in Sindh.

Condemning his murder, the STPP leader lamented that even the places of worship have become a target of militants who want to spread chaos in the country.

Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) leader Dr Niaz Kalani said that Soomro has left a leadership vacuum which will be hard to fill. He equated his killing to the suspected murder of JSQM’s founding leader, Bashir Qureshi, and subsequent enforced disappearance and murder of his brother, Maqsood Qureshi.

Soomro’s son, Rashid Mehmood Soomro, said that those disturbed by the popularity of JUI-F in Sindh killed his father.

The resolutions passed on the occasion called for punishing the murderers of Soomro in accordance with the law and exposing the conspirators involved in his murder.

The JUI-F leaders announced that protests and rallies will be held across Sindh on January 2, followed by similar country-wide demonstrations on January 16. Shia cleric Allama Jawad Hyderi, Maulana Abdul Razzak Lakho and many other religious and political figures also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2014.